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The secret to getting exit row seats

by Jerry Guo on Feb 11th 2008 at 11:00AM

Here at Gadling, we're really obsessed with getting the best possible seat (check out Grant's series on getting better seats). And for the price you pay -- which is just a coach ticket -- there's nothing better than an exit row seat.

Why? Well, first there's the no-crying-babies rule (you have to be at least 15 years old). Then there's the super-sized legroom and first out the door priority in an emergency ... just kidding, sorta. The downside is most exit row seats don't recline, though on Jetblue, I believe most do.

There's several ways to maximize your chances of getting exit row seats: book early, get elite status (in which case you get first dibs), book online and use the seat selector, even pay for one.

But the best trick by far is to use the airline's 24-hour online check-in. You see, most exit seats are held by the airline until 24 hours before departure. So what you should do is jump online right at that point, and chances are, those coveted seats will be yours.

Filed under: Airlines

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Nick Hawkins Feb 11th 2008 11:55AM

If you're Gold or higher on American, you can pre-reserve them months ahead of time.

Nick Feb 11th 2008 12:18PM

DAMN YOU for publishing this! :-)

GMW3049 Feb 11th 2008 12:59PM

Exit row seats recline... it's the seats IN FRONT of them that don't. Can't believe you didn't know this (or that I'm sharing this tidbit online).

Rhys Feb 11th 2008 1:09PM

Exit row seats that are forward of an exit row don't recline because they could block the exit. Exit row seats on every plane configuration I've been in that do not have an exit row behind them have reclining seats. Also, sometimes the exit row is reserved for crew on longer flights.

Brenda Feb 16th 2008 11:37AM

I'm a newbie to flying. Are you guaranteed a seat if you reserve one a few months in advance?

Thanks!

Tom Aug 1st 2008 4:24PM

How far ahead of time do you have to check-in on Korean airlines to get an exit row? They only give them out at the ticket counter the day of the flight.

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